Published: Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Seattle voters rejecting $60 car tab hike
SEATTLE -- Voters on Tuesday rejected a measure that would have required drivers to pay an extra $60 annually to register cars in Seattle, with the money going to help patch potholes, improve bus service and plan for future transit needs.
Proposition 1 was being defeated 60 percent to 40 percent, according to early returns. It was a top priority of Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council and would have raised about $200 million over 10 years.
Proponents said it was necessary to continue investing in the city's transportation infrastructure, as well as to deal with a growing backlog of basic street maintenance. Those opposed to the measure said it was a regressive tax that unfairly shifted the burden of paying for transportation to the neediest people in the city. And they complained that not enough money was allocated to street repair and bus service.
David Miller, who led the group opposed to the transportation levy, said Seattle voters were telling their leaders they wanted money spent on basic infrastructure improvements, not preliminary planning for transit or for more bicycle amenities.
Meanwhile, an education-related measure was easily passing in Seattle. The seven-year, $231 million Families and Education levy replaced an expiring levy. The money would go to programs for students from pre-school to high school, including at-home early learning skills and support for at-risk students.
Proposition 1 was being defeated 60 percent to 40 percent, according to early returns. It was a top priority of Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council and would have raised about $200 million over 10 years.
Proponents said it was necessary to continue investing in the city's transportation infrastructure, as well as to deal with a growing backlog of basic street maintenance. Those opposed to the measure said it was a regressive tax that unfairly shifted the burden of paying for transportation to the neediest people in the city. And they complained that not enough money was allocated to street repair and bus service.
David Miller, who led the group opposed to the transportation levy, said Seattle voters were telling their leaders they wanted money spent on basic infrastructure improvements, not preliminary planning for transit or for more bicycle amenities.
Meanwhile, an education-related measure was easily passing in Seattle. The seven-year, $231 million Families and Education levy replaced an expiring levy. The money would go to programs for students from pre-school to high school, including at-home early learning skills and support for at-risk students.
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